Thank YOU!!!

All good things must come to an end and although I’ve been mentally preparing for my retirement, I was hoping that my finale would include celebrating with my teammates while hoisting that highly coveted WNBA Championship trophy. But, unfortunately, I’m sitting on my couch, bundled up in my blanket, thinking about the last 24 hours and if there’s anything that I could’ve done to help prepare us even that much more to have a different outcome in last night’s game. Honestly… there isn’t.

Staff from my 1st years here – COO/GM – Kelly Krauskopf, Asst. Coach – Julie Plank, Team Dr – David Harsha, Trainer- Holly Heitzman & Strength Trainer – Greg Moore. [Photo: Sportsblog.com]I don’t remember the outcome of my very first WNBA game. I don’t remember who we played, if I had a good or bad game, or really any of the intricate details of the game. My one and only memory I have is the building being packed as the expectations I’d be playing in my first game as part of the Indiana Fever. As the announcer screamed my name through the mic, the crowd went crazy!!! Even now thinking about it I get the same chill bumps I got then, and my heart instantly started beating faster. What a feeling!!

Don’t mess with US!! Your Indiana Fever – Rita Williams, Nikki McCray, Olympia Scott-Richardson & Alicia Thompson. [Photo: Sportsblog.com]It was at that moment, and through the years following, that I knew this was my home- Indiana Fever was MY team and Indianapolis would become MY city. I pledged that I would give every ounce of myself every day and that I would give whatever I could to the franchise to help us be successful – early morning workouts, playing overseas, doing whatever I could to be the BEST that I could be. Nothing has changed.

LOVE MY SQUAD!!! [Photo: Sportsblog.com]This year, we’ve had so many highs and lows this year, but every stop allowed us to grow stronger – individually and collectively. I saw huge strides made both on and off the court. We stood united on social issues that meant a lot to us. We took a stand (and knee) in our support for wanting to be a PART of the change that must happen in our world. Overall, I think we opened eyes to being way more than just basketball players. I said this earlier on an interview, “I don’t know if I have ever been on such an emotional team as this one.” But, you know what? Now, looking back, I have seen myself grow just as much as each of them. They have pushed me just like I have pushed them. What an amazing ride!!

Tonight as I walked off the court for the final time with my team, the tears flowed down my face, the heavy heaves and heaviness took a hold of me. I love my teammates more than they’ll ever know! I love this city, our fans, this organization and all of the amazing people that I’ve come in contact with over the years! I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve given my family, my Catch the Stars Foundation and me! Wow… God is so good!!!

One chapter closed… [Photo: Sportsblog.com]Well, it literally feels like time has gone by in a blink of an eye, but it takes me back to the beginning and my first game with the Fever. For 15 years you guys have helped mold me into who I am today and I’m so thankful. I didn’t know what God had planned for me then, but what I’ve read and know is Ephesians 3:20, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

While one door is closing, God’s in the works of opening up another one for me. And, one thing I do know is that I have the support of all of you that have watched me. I’m proud of the journey I’ve been on and excited about the next chapter.

[Photo: Sportsblog.com]Thank you to EVERYONE who has watched me on all levels. I literally have been playing on a team since I was 8 years old… that’s a long time. A lot of people encouraged, inspired, motivated, pushed, challenged, and showed me how to get here to this moment… THANK YOU!! I love each of you from the bottom of my heart!!

Love Basketball?

Copyright 2018 NBA Media Ventures, LLC | Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the NBA.com